The tragic accident involving Diogo Jota and his brother André sent shockwaves through the global soccer community. Stars from around the world gathered at Anfield to pay their respects to the late Liverpool standout. Meanwhile, Ruben Neves and several of Jota’s closest teammates chose to attend the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. Nevertheless, the notable absence of Cristiano Ronaldo sparked controversy, prompting his sister to publicly explain his inability to attend.
“When my father died. In addition to the pain of loss we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious onlookers at the cemetery and everywhere we went… At no time were we (the children) able to leave the chapel; it was only possible at the time of the burial, such was the commotion… It is absurdly shameful to watch TV channels/commentators/social networks emphasizing an absence rather than respectfully honouring the pain of a mutilated family destroyed by the loss of two brothers,” Katia Aveiro expressed, via Instagram Stories.
In addition, the renowned Portuguese newspaper A Bola confirmed that Cristiano’s absence was because he did not want to be the focus of the media, in the midst of such an intimate and familiar moment for the family of Diogo and André, who died in the accident. However, most of the Liverpool players, along with Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and other soccer stars, attended the funeral, showing solidarity with their family.
Despite not being present, Cristiano Ronaldo did not hesitate to send an emotional message in his memory. “It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you,” he posted, via Instagram.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is consoled by Diogo Jota at the end of the first half of extra time during the UEFA EURO 2024
How many games did Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota play together?
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota never having played for the same club, they shared the field numerous times as teammates for the Portuguese national team. The talented duo appeared together in 32 matches, combining their efforts for seven goals. Their partnership significantly contributed to Portugal’s success, including two UEFA Nations League titles.
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Off the field, Ronaldo and Jota enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship. During a goal drought in 2023, Diogo fondly recalled Cristiano’s motivational advice. The legendary forward had likened scoring goals to opening a bottle of tomato sauce, explaining that once the first drop comes out, the rest follows. Jota embraced this metaphor as a source of inspiration, frequently reflecting on it as a testament to the profound influence the Portuguese icon had on his career.
